Entrepreneur and business leader Stanley Morrice was recently honored with an honorary degree from the University of Stirling for his significant contributions to the retail and wholesale sectors in Scotland. Stanley, originally from Fraserburgh, began his journey in the industry as a school leaver and has since made a mark with his exceptional career.
Having worked with various family-owned businesses and large publicly listed companies, Stanley’s expertise and dedication have been recognized with an Honorary Doctorate at the University of Stirling’s winter graduation ceremony on Friday, 22 November. His remarkable achievements include his role as Sales Director at Aberness Foods, where he increased income by 50% and tripled profits. Stanley later became the Managing Director and successfully oversaw the strategic sale of the business to the supermarket group Somerfield.
Throughout his illustrious career, Stanley has been involved in setting up, leading, managing, and selling over 100 companies in sectors such as retail, wholesale, property, coaching, and mentoring, both in the UK and internationally. His contributions to the industry were further acknowledged with an MBE in 2022 for his efforts to promote sustainable food and drink production in north-east Scotland.
As an MBA graduate in retailing and wholesaling from the University of Stirling, Stanley has remained closely connected to his alma mater, serving as the Chair of the University of Stirling Management School’s International Advisory Board. Expressing his gratitude for the recognition, Stanley highlighted the pivotal role the university played in shaping his career and emphasized the importance of industry partnerships in preparing students for success in the business world.
During the graduation ceremony, Stanley joined over 300 other graduates in receiving their degrees, reflecting on the University of Stirling’s commitment to fostering innovation and developing future leaders. Professor Sir Gerry McCormac, the Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the university, commended Stanley’s achievements and leadership, noting the inspiration he provides to the graduating students.
The University of Stirling’s winter graduation ceremonies, spanning across two days, will see more than 1,000 students commemorating their academic accomplishments alongside their loved ones and university faculty. The celebration of these achievements underscores the university’s dedication to academic excellence and industry engagement, as exemplified by figures like Stanley Morrice.